Article | Students Explore New Ways of Making Via RISD Global Summer Courses

This course examines the practice of adaptive reuse, highlighting the prolific work of architect Lina Bo Bardi in São Paulo and Salvador de Bahía. Adaptive reuse involves rehabilitating existing buildings to meet new technical and social needs while retaining their cultural identity and memory. Students will visit significant projects such as SESC Pompéia, a factory transformed into a cultural center, and Teatro Oficina, a historic office converted into a community theater. These case studies will provide insight into the sustainable and place-based potential of reimagining obsolescent architecture.

This course offers students a unique experience, combining the discovery of inscriptions and typography in the streets of Rome with hands-on graphic design and letterpress printing. Students will explore both ancient and modern epigraphy in the city, from the Latin inscriptions on Roman architecture to contemporary signage, encouraging students to reflect on the historical and cultural significance of letters in the urban landscape.

This course explores the intersection of glass-making and traditional Japanese architecture through a concentrated studio experience. After introductory glass-making techniques at RISD, participants will travel to Japan, visiting Toyama City for inspiration and Akita City to create and exhibit glass installations that challenge and enhance traditional architectural spaces.